'Dawson's Creek' Actor Passes at 51

Obi Ndefo had a recurring role on "Dawson's Creek" as well as "Stargate: SG-1"Photo byJeremy BishoponUnsplash

He made memorable appearances on several television shows.

On Saturday August 31st, it was confirmed by his older sister on social media that actor Obi Ndefo has passed away. He was 51 years old.

Ndefo graduated from Yale University where he earned his Bachelor's degree in 1994 and his Master's degree in 1997. Shortly thereafter, he began pursuing an acting career.

Not long after his start, he landed arguably his most well-known role. That of the recurring character Bodie Wells on the teen drama series Dawson's Creek. On the show, he was the sister of Nina Repeta and dated Katie Holmes's character. He appeared on the series from 1998 to 2002.

Later from 2000 to 2005, Ndefo played Rak'nor the Jaffa warrior on the series Stargate: SG-1. His other roles including those on shows such as Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as well as Star Trek: Voyager, The Jamie Foxx Show, 3rd Rock From the Sun, NYPD Blue, The West Wing and Angel. In addition to his television appearances, Ndefo founded the non-profit Arts Alliance for Humanity. The mission of this organization is to support arts education in schools as well communities.

In 2019, Ndefo was involved in a hit-and-run accident in Los Angeles which resulted in the loss of both of his legs. His right leg was served upon impact while his left later had to be amputated. For the remainder of his life, Ndefo focused on health and recovery as well as remaining active as a yoga teacher.

Ndefo passed in a hospital in the Los Angeles area. Earlier today, his older sister broke her silence and shared on X that her brother had been suffering from an eating disorder at the time of his death.

Sources: Zee, M. (2024, September 2). Obi Ndefo, “Dawson’s creek” actor who lost his legs after hit-and-run accident, dies at 51. Variety. https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/obi-ndefo-dead-dawsons-creek-1236126971/

Garner, G. (2024, September 2). Obi Ndefo dies: “Dawson’s creek” & “stargate SG-1” actor was 51. Deadline. https://deadline.com/2024/09/obi-ndefo-dies-dawsons-creek-stargate-sg-1-actor-was-51-1236075221/